New Zealand Cities Among Top 20 Most Congested Cities In The World

~ New Zealanders spend up to 101 hours a year stuck in peak hour traffic ~

New Zealand, 7 November 2013 – Announced today, the TomTom Traffic Index Q2 2013 – a report comparing congestion levels in over 169 cities across six continents – revealed key cities in New Zealand are experiencing some of the highest increases in congestion compared with global traffic levels.

In the latest Q2 (Apr – Jun) 2013 report, Auckland is now ranked number 15 and Christchurch ranked number 17 in the top 20 most congested cities in the world.

1. Moscow: 65%
2. Istanbul: 57%
3. Lòdz: 53%
4. Rio de Janerio: 51%
5. Warsaw: 44%
6. Palermo: 40%
7. Marseille: 40%
8. Sao Paulo: 39%
9. Rome: 36%
10. Paris: 36%
11. Stockholm: 36%
12. Vancouver: 36%
13. Los Angeles: 35%
14. Sydney: 35%
15. Auckland: 34%
16. Brussels: 34%
17. Christchurch: 32%
18. Belfast: 32%
19. San Francisco: 32%
20. Johannesburg: 31%

Overall, New Zealand and Australia were given a congestion level rating of 29%, up from 27% in the full year 2012 report. New Zealanders are now spending up to a staggering 101 hours a year in peak hour traffic.

Residents in Auckland have experienced the biggest increase in congestion across Australia and New Zealand, from 30% in Q2 2012 to 34% in Q2 2013. Congestion in Christchurch and Wellington has also risen to 32% and 28% respectively.

At its worst, traffic delays cost Aucklanders an average of 47 minutes for each hour driven. The worst times to travel in Auckland are Tuesday mornings, with congestion rising to over 85 per cent when compared to non-peak times. Commuters travelling in peak hour traffic have the best run on either a Friday morning or a Monday evening where congestion levels are lower at 60%.

“The TomTom Traffic index shows relative congestion in key cities across the world. With the publication of the index, we aim to help governments and road authorities make more informed decisions about tackling the issue of traffic congestion.” said Chris Kearney, Vice President TomTom Asia Pacific.

“By offering a more accurate analysis of traffic flows, we help to identify and pinpoint congestion trouble spots more effectively. And by using TomTom Traffic to route traffic away from congested areas, we all can play a key role in easing congestion in our cities.”

TomTom Traffic Index is the world’s most accurate barometer of congestion in urban areas. The Index is uniquely based on real travel time data captured by vehicles driving the entire road network

About the TomTom Traffic Index
Separate European, North American, Australia/New Zealand and South Africa Traffic Index reports are available.

To download the Traffic Index reports, go to www.tomtom.com/trafficindex

About TomTom
Founded in 1991, TomTom (TOM2) is a leading provider of navigation and location-based products and services. TomTom maps, traffic information and navigation technology power automotive in-dash systems, mobile devices, web based applications and government and business solutions.

TomTom also designs and manufactures its own location-based products including portable navigation devices and fleet management solutions, as well as GPS-enabled sports watches.

Headquartered in Amsterdam, TomTom has 3,500 employees worldwide and sells its products in over 35 countries.
For further information, please visit www.tomtom.com

ENDS

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